Ghost Moth is set in 1949 and 1969 Belfast.
It’s a concise novel with a central “mystery” at the heart of it. I don’t think that’s its driving force, but it adds intrigue. There is an interesting exploration of the impending Troubles, but mostly the narrative focuses on a central character, Katherine, and her journey through being a young woman, marrying, and becoming a mother. I would have maybe liked more exploration of politics, but I think the book really vividly brings the tense political and social realities alive through how children interact with each other. Belfast as a city is incredibly present in this novel, vividly described.
I didn’t massively connect with the central character, but I didn’t really mind that. I think there are some really powerful images and moments that carry the story through.
It’s a good read. Best bits in my opinion are the discussions of family and sisters and motherhood, some of the best descriptions of that I’ve read in awhile!
Not necessarily a “happy” read, whatever that means, but a poignant and thoughtful one.
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